April, May & June

April and I have decided to try to set ourselves some goals to achieve. Inspired by Josie Long and her "talking to a stranger each day for a year" idea, we came up with a bunch of things we wish we did more, and are going to try to incorporate them into our lives. I think having the support of someone else who is aiming for a similar goal will be a huge help in sticking to them...But here goes!

I want to:

+ listen to a different band every week. This week is Hot Water Music week!!

+ write in my journal daily (and I will be buying a new one tomorrow!)

+ draw in my journal daily (trying to incorporate perspectives, buildings and architectural sketches more than anything else!)

+ update my blog every week. It'll be a good way to keep track of how I'm doing with my goals!

+ take 'daily outfit' photos. I did this for a bit last year, and I really appreciate having those photos to look back on, and figure out what looks best on me!

I think that's probably enough for awhile, but hopefully I can keep it up!

Meanwhile, I've recently become a single lady, for the first time since I was 19. I'm feeling a world of possibilities opening up for me, and I'm doing my best to embrace them. I look forward to finding myself in positive and fruitful situations, and really getting back on the right track for me.

It's going to be a good year!

x Mara

postscript

ps...Inspired by Tiina, I have been learning how to knit. So far I have achieved 8 rows of what will probably turn out to be a scarf, should I remain focused enough to get through it. I'm knitting continental style, apparently, and I'm having a blast! It's a little bit hard when Elvis is around though - apparently it's true, cats do love yarn!

My sweet gingham house

I've been updating my home decor lately, mostly with the help of a little red gingham and some yellow ribbon. Here are my latest projects, hopefully by the time we move out in June the place will have gained some character :)

Table cloth


Utensil Holder (decoupaged with fabric)


Bread Box (decoupaged with fabric)


Cushions (my mum made them for my birthday last Sept, but I've only just found them a home)


Our bedsheets set



I'm hopefully going to make a fabric, magnet-backed organiser to go on the side of the fridge with gingham, yellow and red fabric, and cherry prints. Should be nice!

Retro 50s swap

Tiina received her swap package and posted a few photos on craftster, so I'm going to borrow them and post here to show what I made! She is my inspiration for posting more on my blog, so hopefully I'll stick with it. I'll definitely have to update when I receive from her!

Group photo showing kitchen set (apron, pot holder, oven mitt), neck scarf, earrings, handbag, and zine


Cherry earrings made from polymer clay


Close up of painted craft bag with beaded handle


Detail of embroidery on kitchen set

That's MISTER sock monkey to you!

First sock monkey
Originally uploaded by S.S. Cupcakes

Thought I should post this (as I'm super duper extremely proud of myself!!)

Here's my first ever sock monkey, plush toy, completed sewing project that I did all by myself!!

Hope Sarah (and bubby) like him as much as I do.